Sprawling Metropolis

These pictures were taken in Suidobashi, Tokyo.

The top picture you can see the L'Aqua and Tokyo Dome areas to the bottom right.

Also of interest is the large centreless ferris wheel and roller coaster that runs through it.

The bottom picture looks slightly towards Ueno in the distance.

Suidobashi (and Korakuen)itself is famously home to such places as the Kodokan(mecca of Judo) and the Tokyo Dome, home of the baseball team, Tokyo Giants.

It's a busy place during the day and is a business hub as well as having some large high schools and universities around the area.

At night, it's quiet.

Shinjuku Art

Situated close to the New South Exit of Shinjuku station.

Kabuki Cho, Shinjuku

Always an interesting place for a wander around, day or night.
The signs are in your face. Trannies, hookers, male/female hosts are operating around the clock pulling in the punters.
Naturally, it becomes better (or worse, depending how you think) at night.

Ueno

Ueno has been cleaned up over the years.
However, the streets are still grimy, the back streets are still seedy, the fish market is still smelly and the park still attracts the homeless.
I remember Ueno was quite a shit hole when I was first in Tokyo 8 years ago.
It's certainly a long way off being upmarket, and that's probably why I like it.
Still, the effort to make it more presentable is evident.

I find Ueno has a mix of Shinjuku's neon and crowded streets, coupled with the feel of Nakano's backstreets, and yet manages to keep it own uniqueness with a big open air market.

It's well-worth a visit for the market and just to wander.
Keep out of the zoo, though.
It's quite depressing and very small.
You'll feel very sorry for the inhabitants...

Ueno

A few snaps from around the streets.
Note that the toy shop.
This is a great shop that specialises in replica ball bearing guns and "celebrity" masks.
Quite a mix.